A new brief filed yesterday by Justice Department lawyer Scott Simpson declares that the Obama administration “does not support DOMA as a matter of policy,” and “believes that the Act is discriminatory and should be repealed by Congress.” In a written statement, President Obama states that he has “long held that DOMA prevents LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered] couples from being granted equal rights and benefits.” (See earlier story) In fact, as a U.S. senator representing Illinois, Obama stated his support for “the complete repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.”

“Evidently the president signaled to us during the Stonewall celebration, when he had all of the gay activists into the White House and made presentations of what he would do for them, that he values this constituency and he is responding to their urging to accelerate the process of redefining marriage,” he points out. “So, I think it is very hypocritical on his part. I’m very outraged.” says Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., chairman of the High Impact Leadership Coalition.

Jackson is joined in indignation by Brian Raum of the Alliance Defense Fund, who is disappointed the Justice Department is challenging the law which was passed in 1996.

“Federal DOMA was passed overwhelmingly and represents the prevailing view of the people of the United States that marriage is between a man and a woman and that’s the optimal environment for raising kids,” Raum contends. (listen to audio)